Heather, Come Back

Dave Jenkinson is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba and the author of the “Portraits” section of Emergency Librarian.

Gaetz’s third contribution to Series 2000 is more low vocabulary than
high interest. The Fraser family of British Columbia’s Salt Sea Island
has become dysfunctional, with Mr. Fraser hiding behind anger, alcohol,
and TV while his silent, placating wife retreats to her art. Jason, the
14-year-old narrator, remembers better times and particularly the close
relationship he once had with his sister Heather, 16, but her recent
erratic mood swings and behaviors have led to their growing apart. When
Jason discovers that Heather is dating Tim Bowman, a rich kid, a heavy
drug user, and a drug dealer, he initially suspects and then confirms
that Heather is using both marijuana and cocaine, a fact he feels unable
to share with his parents. Early one morning while coming home from a
party, a stoned Heather has a serious car accident that leaves her in a
coma in a Vancouver hospital. As the weeks pass and Heather’s
vegetative condition does not change, Jason feels increasingly guilty
over his failure to do anything with the knowledge he had of Heather’s
drug use. In a climactic hospital room scene, he confesses to his
parents, and the contrite family members all pledge to do better in
their familial relationships. While Heather does not instantly “come
back” from her coma, for those readers who require happy endings,
there is the concluding suggestion that her condition is improving. Much
more a book of character than action. Recommended with reservations.